Christmas Trees
Want to experience the old-timey tradition of finding a Charlie Brown Christmas Tree for yourselves?
Ultimate Pandemic Christmas Tree (we challenge you to do better)
With free Christmas Tree permits, it's another free-for-all in Kananaskis with lots of confusion on where you can get trees, what trees you can cut and how to get a permit.
There are a number of restrictions on what trees you can cut down, a permit is required, there are many prohibited areas and even an endangered species in Kananaskis that can result in large fines if cut.
It's up to you to research and follow the rules but we break it down to the best of our knowledge below.
Where to legally cut Christmas Trees:
Christmas Trees can only be cut within a TM66 area and outside the restricted areas. There are three areas west of Calgary where you can harvest Christmas Trees on Crown Land. These areas have prohibited areas inside the TM66 area as well.
We've provided the links for maps to all the areas below. The areas are not signed and the maps generally don’t have enough detail to determine exactly where you are to know if you're within a protected area or even inside the TM66 area. We recommend downloading the free Avenza Maps (click here) App to your smartphone and add the maps linked below. This way you can determine your exact position on the map, even while out of cell range.
Bragg Creek to Canmore - Sibbald & Elbow Valley Area
(click here)
Millarville to Longview - Sheep River & Highwood Area
(click here)
Cochrane Waiporous - Ghost & Waiporous Area
(click here)
Some of these areas will require a high clearance four wheel drive vehicle with good tires/chains to safely access.
We've provided the links for maps to all the areas below. The areas are not signed and the maps generally don’t have enough detail to determine exactly where you are to know if you're within a protected area or even inside the TM66 area. We recommend downloading the free Avenza Maps (click here) App to your smartphone and add the maps linked below. This way you can determine your exact position on the map, even while out of cell range.
Bragg Creek to Canmore - Sibbald & Elbow Valley Area
(click here)
Millarville to Longview - Sheep River & Highwood Area
(click here)
Cochrane Waiporous - Ghost & Waiporous Area
(click here)
Some of these areas will require a high clearance four wheel drive vehicle with good tires/chains to safely access.
What trees can you legally cut?
Be sure to obtain a
Christmas Tree Permit (click here)
prior to harvesting
any trees.
Only cut trees within TM66 and outside of all prohibited areas.
There are many Restrictions of where and what you can cut within a TM66 area. You can only cut trees less than 8' in height and 6" in diameter (don't cut just the top) and ensure that they are not an endangered Whitebark or Limber Pine.
Please read all the Rules and Restrictions (click here) before heading out.
You will likely have no cell service, so have a copy of the rules, maps and permit available offline.
Dress warm, bring extra clothing and tools in case you get stuck as well as leave a detailed trip plan with a friend at home.
Happy Hunting and Merry Christmas!
For more information contact: for-info@gov.ab.ca
You will likely have no cell service, so have a copy of the rules, maps and permit available offline.
Dress warm, bring extra clothing and tools in case you get stuck as well as leave a detailed trip plan with a friend at home.
Happy Hunting and Merry Christmas!
For more information contact: for-info@gov.ab.ca